Balance Risks Against Rewards

Like everything in life, there are risks to changing what comes naturally. When considering plastic surgery, those risks can involve complications that may vary from outright rejection to lack of imagined results.

CARLOS WOLF, M.D.

The physician balances risks of bleeding, infection, and all other surgical factors, even potential fatality although quite rare. Elective procedure patients need to understand potential risks when weighing the value of a simple desire to look better.

They must also realize that costs are involved. Minimally-invasive procedures are often more suitable because they don’t require surgery. Long term results must be considered because changes are often only temporary. Still another consideration: just how realistic is what a patient may desire against what is practical with minimal surgery involved.

Balancing all factors is imperative during a discussion with a physician when deciding the extent of any elective procedure. All parties involved ultimately want the best results but there are limitations in this process. That’s why both the physician and patient must discuss at great length what the ultimate outcome should be. A physician who believes the outcome won’t satisfy the patient should openly state his opinion.

Over the last 30-plus years, I’ve found that to be a successful facial plastic surgeon means being completely open and frank when advising about attaining realistic results. That is fundamental to achieving mutual comfort between physician and patient, once a decision is made to go forward for any change, simple or complex.

Dr. Carlos Wolf is a partner in Miami Plastic Surgery and is board certified. Email your questions to him at cwolf@miamiplasticsurgery.com or tel. 305-595-2969.